Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has cautioned flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against placing personal ambition above party unity, stressing that the party’s future must come before individual interests.
He delivered the warning at the peace pact signing ceremony for NPP flagbearer aspirants ahead of the party’s January 31, 2026, presidential primaries, describing the pact as a binding moral obligation rather than a symbolic political exercise.
“This peace pact, this commitment pact, is therefore not a mere ceremony,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.
He explained that the agreement represents “a solemn covenant, a commitment that ambition will not override fraternity, that competition will not descend into hostility, and that once the ballot has spoken, the party will move forward as one.”
The former President reminded aspirants that their conduct before, during, and after the primaries would have long-term implications for both the party and the country.
According to him, “your conduct will shape the moral tone of the NPP and the future of our country,” noting that party supporters, grassroots members, and the youth are closely watching their actions.
He stressed that internal competition must never weaken the party’s collective strength.
“Let me be clear. The NPP is bigger than any individual,” he said.
He added that “no ambition, grievance, or faction is greater than the elephant,” the party’s symbol, warning against leadership contests that risk dividing the party.
Highlighting the importance of cohesion ahead of the 2026 elections, Nana Akufo-Addo said unity was essential to victory.
“Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he said, urging aspirants to ensure that the peace pact is not only signed but faithfully observed.
He further called for decency and mutual respect in campaigning.
“Let your campaigns be firm but fair, competitive but respectful,” he urged, adding that the NPP’s traditions reject “fear, insults, intimidation, and bitterness.”
The former President also cautioned aspirants against placing loyalty to individuals above loyalty to the party.
“Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he said, adding that after the primaries, “there must be one party, one direction, one destiny.”
Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, Nana Akufo-Addo said he believes the NPP remains “the best vehicle with the best ideas for Ghana’s future,” urging members to keep the party “united, disciplined, and worthy of the trust of the Ghanaian people.”
“If we honour our history, respect one another, and put party and country above self, the future of the NPP and of Ghana herself will indeed be bright,” he said.
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also addressed the ceremony, urged the NPP to rebuild itself as a united and disciplined political force, warning that Ghana does not need a divided party.
He said the country expects the party to return stronger, not weakened by internal disputes.
“Ghana needs this party back, not as a wounded, quarrelling organisation, but as a renewed, united, serious alternative,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin added that leadership must be rooted in service rather than ego.
“The country does not need leaders who are prisoners of their egos. It needs leaders who are servants of the Republic,” he said.
He stressed that the peace pact must go beyond symbolism and result in tangible changes in conduct before and after the primaries.
“If this peace pact is to have meaning, it must translate into clear commitments,” he said.
Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, also urged NPP presidential aspirants to conduct themselves honourably to preserve the party’s traditions and the legacy of its founding fathers.
He emphasised fairness, unity, and respect for party values throughout the flagbearer contest.
“Please do something honourable for the New Patriotic Party and our tradition,” he said.
Professor Oquaye noted that signing the peace pact was necessary, citing past experiences of unfair practices and extreme partisanship that had undermined party unity.
“In saying this, I am mindful that unfair practices, partiality, and base partisanship happened in our party, which have destroyed or shaken our unity,” he added.
